COUNCILLORS in Middlewich are looking into possible options to help fund the repair work the Shropshire Union Canal.

At a meeting held on Monday, members of the town council pledged to help raise funds to fix the recent canal breach and are looking for the public to help with generating ideas.

A ‘meet & greet’ drop in will take place in the Morrisons Community Room, in Newton Bank, from 7pm until 8pm on Tuesday, April 24.

Representatives from the Canal and River Trust will be there, as well as Cllr Jonathan Parry on behalf of the council, to help come up with ideas to raise the funds needed.

Cllr Parry said: “The canal is a big part of our history as a town and it seems only right that we do our part in helping and supporting a speedy recovery for those affected by the breach.

“The council has been in regular contact with the Canal and River Trust and we are working together towards the best possible solution.”

The breach, along the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union Canal, has caused an estimated £2 million to £3 million worth of damage. The emergency appeal has already raised more than £17,500 online.

A spokesperson for the Canal and River Trust said: “We are at the stages of waiting for the design work to be completed and then the logistics of the work to repair the canal will begin.”

Investigations are still under way to determine the cause of the collapse.